How Liverpool could seal a better signing than Akliouche

Liverpool have emerged from the trenches and are now looking ahead to the 2026/27 campaign with optimism. Andoni Iraola promises to bring the ‘rock and roll’ back to Anfield after a tough year.

If he is to succeed, the Spaniard will need to welcome a few more new faces through the gates. Liverpool were shelled by setbacks last season, and are now somewhat lighter than before, with Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate all leaving on free transfers.

Liverpool’s defence is still decidedly light, even after Jeremy Jacquet’s arrival ahead of pre-season, a £60m deal with Rennes agreed back in January.

However, Salah leaves the biggest hole of all, and FSG are chasing Maghnes Akliouche as the Egyptian legend’s replacement.

Why Liverpool want to replace Salah with Akliouche

Akliouche would not arrive in Liverpool ahead of the new season with the capacity to replace Salah’s goals from the right flank, but Iraola will expect £125m striker Alexander Isak to step up and return to world-class scoring form.

The 24-year-old Akliouche would, however, help rebuild Liverpool’s playmaking ability. A wide playmaker, the France international draws from a bottomless well of creativity, so inventive with his passing and so fleet-footed when carrying the ball upfield.

However, he only scored six goals and supplied six assists in Ligue 1 last term. There is work to be done there, but his is not a skillset which inherently delivers direct goal involvements with a real intensity.

Liverpool are still behind Paris Saint-Germain in the race, but they have established initial contact with Monaco this week as they push to complete a move. PSG have thus far struggled to reach a breakthrough in negotiations with their French rivals.

The right-sider would be a shrewd signing, but he wouldn’t solve all of the Merseysiders’ problems. As already mentioned, Liverpool still need a defender or two.

Liverpool in talks to seal better signing than Akliouche

Akliouche would be a strong signing, but Liverpool are also regarded as favourites in the race to sign PSG forward Bradley Barcola, and landing that signature must take precedence from an attacking standpoint.

Looking at the other end of the field, Liverpool need a centre-back, and according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, the Reds have held talks with the Ligue 1 champions over a potential move for Ilya Zabarnyi, amid the claim that he has been “offered” to Chelsea and the Anfield side.

Zabarnyi joined PSG from Bournemouth for £57m last summer, and while he started 26 times in Ligue 1 last year, the move hasn’t quite gone to plan, and he has often been left out on the big occasion. Considering how mighty he appeared for the Cherries the year before, it’s understandable that he might be seeking a change of scenery already.

Akliouche is a talented playmaker, but whether he has what it takes to step into Salah’s long-held zone on the Liverpool right remains to be seen. Perhaps his contrasting approach to wingplay would help him settle in, but they are big boots nonetheless.

However, Zabarnyi would arrive at Liverpool having spent a valuable season with the best team in the world, and he would arrive at Liverpool with previous Premier League experience under Iraola.

Alongside Dean Huijsen, Zabarnyi was hailed by former defender Joe Partington for having “taken Bournemouth to a completely different level“, developing an intuitive understanding that could see him connect with Virgil van Dijk next year.

The Ukraine international won 63% of his duels and often carried the ball forward, progressing play with his passing but also his athleticism, splitting opposition lines apart. He might be physically imposing and strong, but Zabarnyi has a modern-tailored skillset that would be perfect for Liverpool and indeed Iraola – again.

Akliouche is an interesting talent, but he alone may struggle to replace Salah. The jury is very much out, and will be for some time, should he sign.

However, Zabarnyi would be expected to make waves from the get-go. He could be an excellent addition.